Ruben Amorim brought back the classic suit tradition for Manchester United players this week, marking a significant change in club culture.
Manchester: This week, the Manchester United squad made quite the entrance at Manchester Cathedral, all dressed in sharp Paul Smith suits. It was a refreshing sight, especially since Ruben Amorim, the new manager, was sporting the club suit for the first time. Sure, a few players wore brand-new white trainers, but hey, at least everyone showed up!
Since the pandemic hit in 2020, United had ditched the suit tradition for matches. Remember when Gary Neville tried to convince Sir Alex Ferguson to let players wear tracksuits? Ferguson had a compromise: they could change into comfy clothes once on the bus or train. But Amorim seems to be bringing back that classy vibe.
Even during Ferguson’s last European trip in 2013, he wore his suit while the players didn’t. David Moyes tried to enforce the suit rule, and Louis van Gaal took it a step further by making the team walk in suits after a long flight. Talk about dedication!
Paul Smith has been designing for United since 2008, and after Van Gaal left, he made some changes to the suits. Mourinho, on the other hand, was never a fan of the suit after a rough patch in 2016. It’s funny how some players, like Michael Carrick, used to admire those blazers when they were younger.
One iconic moment was captured in Lisbon back in 1966, where a group of legendary players posed in their suits. Amorim seems to be channeling that spirit, leading the team in style. He was right at the front of the line at the Cathedral, followed closely by Bruno Fernandes and Jonny Evans.
Speaking of Evans, he recently delivered a heartfelt eulogy that really showcased his long-standing connection with the club. He’s been a part of three Premier League titles and more, and seeing him in that suit, delivering a perfect reading, was a proud moment for fans.
As United gears up for their next match in London, they’ll likely be sporting their new training gear. Who knows, maybe they’ll even promote it on social media. It’s all about that brand image, right?
